DOVER — Brush fire danger is very high as snow cover has started to melt and warmer weather takes hold in many area communities.

Statewide, a Class 3 fire danger level has been common throughout the past week.

Class 3 fire danger is defined as “fire danger is moderate and fire fuels in open areas and sunny slopes may spread easily. Permits issued pending conditions,” according to a notice issued by the Lee Fire Department.

The next level, Class 4, is described as such: “Fires will start easily from all causes. Fires will spread rapidly and increase in intensity rapidly, meaning they will be hard to extinguish. Spot fires may occur and, except in early spring, will burn deep. Permits not available on a Class 4 day.”

The state division of Forests and Lands issued the same warning.

Brush fires have sparked in a number of locations, though, so far, have been knocked down quickly and before causing any injuries.

Lee saw a brush fire just off Route 155 on James Farm Road that although was knocked down in less than a half-hour, took over a large patch of land.

A reported brush fire broke out in Durham following the Lee fire and over the weekend, a number of brush fires, including those in Milton Mills and Rochester caused alarm.

During April of last year, brush fires ignited throughout the month in Dover, Somersworth, Farmington, New Durham, and Lebanon, Maine. Brush fire season had arrived earlier than usual and people were advised to take caution when hosting an outdoor fire.

A teen last year was arrested in connection with two brush fires near Willand Pond, and two juveniles were arrested in connection with separate brush fires near Plaza Drive in Dover that struck on two consecutive days.

On Friday, about 30 departments responded to Rochester where an acre behind the Franklin Heights condominiums was on fire.

Though some areas have only just been uncovered by snow and may have still seen muddy or soggy ground recently, the strong winds as of late have dried many of those surfaces.

Downed trees and other elements can make fighting the blazes difficult, as was the case in Rochester Friday.

Many communities have issued warnings and regulations including no burning unless with a permit and with rainfall.

Residents are reminded to contact their local fire department for information on fire danger each day and how to go about obtaining a burn permit and when it is able to be used.

Permit holders can call the dispatch center in Dover at 742-4646 to learn about daily burning conditions.